Pearson Notes

• When did the First World War end?

  1918
• What was the condition of Germany after the First World War?

  Germany was scarred and crumbling after being defeated.
• Who became the first German president after the First World War?

  Friedrich Ebert
• What did Friedrich Ebert declare Germany to be?

  A republic
• How many German troops died in the First World War?

  Two million
• What was the total number of German troops that fought in the First World War?

  11 million
• How did government debts change after the First World War?

  They increased from 50 billion marks to 150 billion marks.
• How many Germans died due to food shortages after the war?

  More than 750,000
• What actions did many people take due to the devastating effects of the war?

  They revolted by striking and rioting.
• When was the German Republic declared?

  9 November 1918
• What was the first major decision of Ebert’s new Republic?

  Signing the armistice on 11 November.
• What became a burden for Germany after the First World War?

  The terms of the Treaty of Versailles.
• Who declared the new Republic to the crowds in Berlin?

  Philipp Scheidemann
• Why was Philipp Scheidemann fearful during the declaration of the Republic?

  He feared armed rioters were preparing to declare a communist government.
• What did Friedrich Ebert do on 10 November 1918?

  He suspended the old Reichstag and formed the Council of People’s Representatives.
• What was the revolutionary period in Germany?

  The period continued until August 1919 when the Weimar Republic was established.
• When was the new constitution of the Weimar Republic drawn up?

  31 July 1919
• Why was the new constitution drawn up in Weimar instead of Berlin?

  Because there was still unrest in Berlin.
• What are the key strengths of the Weimar Constitution?

  • Proportional representation ensured small parties had a fair share of seats.
  • Women could vote as well as men.
  • Voting age reduced from 25 to 21.
  • No one group or person could have too much power.
  • Election for president every seven years.
  • Central government was more powerful than before, but local government retained power.

  
• What are the key weaknesses of the Weimar Constitution?

  • Proportional representation led to unstable coalition governments.
  • Lack of strong government led to crises where the president passed laws without Reichstag consent (Article 48).
  • The constitution was not popular as it was not the choice of the people.

  
• How did the Treaty of Versailles affect Germany's economy?

  It damaged Germany’s economy, making the Weimar Republic weak from the start.
• What were the leaders of the new German republic labeled as?

  ‘November Criminals’
• What did the 'stab in the back' theory suggest?

  It suggested that the army had been betrayed by politicians.
• How much reparations was Germany required to pay according to the Treaty of Versailles?

  £6600 million
• What did Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles state?

  Germany was guilty of starting the war.
• What percentage of its European territory did Germany lose due to the Treaty of Versailles?

  13%
• What was the role of the Freikorps in the Kapp Putsch?

  They were made up of ex-soldiers who marched on Berlin and took control.
• What was the outcome of the Spartacist Revolt?

  The revolt ended with street fighting and the leaders being shot.
• How many political assassinations occurred in the Weimar Republic from 1919 to 1923?

  376
• What was the economic situation in Germany in 1923?

  Germany faced a terrible economic crisis with hyperinflation.
• What caused hyperinflation in Germany?

  The government printed more money without having gold to back it.
• What was the value of the German mark in November 1923?


  Worthless
• What were some negative effects of hyperinflation in Germany?


  People could not afford essentials, and savings became worthless.
• Who benefited from hyperinflation?

  Farmers benefited as they were paid more for food.
• What role did Gustav Stresemann play in Germany's recovery from 1923 to 1929?

  He set up the Rentenbank and issued the Rentenmark to stabilize the economy.
• What was the significance of the Rentenmark?

  It was tied to the price of gold and restored public confidence in the currency.
• When was the Rentenmark issued?

  November 1923
• What were the positive effects of hyperinflation in Germany?

  • Farmers received higher prices for food.
  • Some people could pay off loans and mortgages.
  • Fixed rents became very cheap.
  • Foreign visitors could buy more for their money.

  
• What were the challenges faced by Germany in 1923?

  • Hyperinflation made currency worthless.
  • French troops invaded the Ruhr for reparations.
  • Strikes in the Ruhr affected coal, iron, and steel production.
• What was the period of the Weimar Republic?

  1918–29